FCB Nyasa Big Bullets return to Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Ndirande Stars in a Castel Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash, with a place in the Last 8 up for grabs.
This will be The People’s Team’s first outing at Kamuzu Stadium in 2026, having last graced the pitch on December 27 when Maule wrapped up the TNM Super League season with a resounding 4–0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers to finish second on the table.
With progression to the Castel Cup Last 8 on the line, Bullets are aiming for a third consecutive season in the quarterfinals, while Ndirande Stars will be looking to challenge the 2023 quadruple winners and pull off an upset.
FORM GUIDE
Bullets head into the tie with momentum, having won their last two matches. The senior side ended their league campaign in style with a 4–0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers, before travelling north to Karonga where they comfortably dispatched Songwe Border United 3–0 in the Round of 32 of this competition, thanks to a clinical Maxwell Phodo hat-trick.
The back-to-back victories have boosted confidence in the camp ahead of this important cup tie.
Ndirande Stars, meanwhile, finished their debut National Division League season in sixth place with 32 points after edging Namitete Zitha 1–0. They scored 25 goals and conceded 23 throughout their campaign.
To reach this stage of the Castel Cup, the Ndirande-based side knocked out newly promoted TNM Super League outfit Red Lions on penalties, winning 5–3 after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Saturday’s fixture marks the second competitive meeting between the two sides.
The first encounter came in the 2023 FDH Bank Cup at Kamuzu Stadium, where Bullets produced a commanding 4–0 victory in the Round of 32 and Gilbert Chirwa’s side will be looking to maintain a perfect record against the minnows.
COACH’S THOUGHTS
Chirwa, the Bullets Interim Head Coach, addressed the squad’s preparations ahead of the tie.
“It is always tricky playing teams we don’t know well. Ndirande Stars have youngsters and will give their all, so we have to stamp our authority from the beginning. We’ve covered all scenarios in training, and I believe the boys will rise to the occasion.
“Cup games are unpredictable, but we have the experience to manage different situations. We can’t predict everything that will happen on the day, but we are ready to adapt, control the game, and get the job done. The boys understand the plan and are ready to execute it.”
TEAM NEWS
Bullets will be without Chikumbutso Salima, Peter Banda, Andrew Jovinala, and Chrispin Mapemba, all sidelined through injury.
Banda was withdrawn early in the first half after picking up a knock against Songwe Border United on Sunday, while Salima was rested following a knock sustained in the home clash with Mzuzu City Hammers.
Jovinala and Mapemba continue their recovery from injuries sustained towards the end of last year.
There is a chance for Blessings Mpokera to return after resuming full training, having recovered from the injury he sustained in the 2–0 league win over Kamuzu Barracks last month.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Ndirande Stars
Competition: Castel Challenge Cup – Round of 16
Date: Saturday
Venue: Kamuzu Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30
MATCH OFFICIALS
Cedric Mwachumu has been selected to serve as the centre referee for Saturday afternoon’s clash, marking his third assignment overseeing a Bullets match. This will be his first appointment in a knockout competition for a Bullets fixture since being recognized by the Football Association of Malawi among the top 16 centre referees in 2024.
Mwachumu brings solid experience from officiating elite fixtures, including serving as fourth official in high-profile games. He will be assisted by Mussa Grant and Mphatso Mmangisa, while Benson Subiri takes the role of fourth official and Chalvin Ngolanga serves as match assessor.
Referee: Cedric Mwachumu
Assistants: Mussa Grant and Mphatso Mmangisa
Fourth Official: Benson Subiri
Match Assessor: Chalvin Ngolanga
HOW TO FOLLOW
Supporters are encouraged to turn up in numbers at Kamuzu Stadium to cheer The People’s Team. For those unable to attend, live updates and coverage will be available across the club’s official digital channels.
